Inter has already been punished in domestic competition after the Italian football authorities found its fans guilty of racially abusing former players Mario Balotelli and Sulley Muntari, who now play for fierce rival AC Milan.
Mancini lost his Inter job not just because of poor reputation in Europe competition, but also because he lost the support of the dressing room, as revealed by Toldo the former goalkeeper.
The home side rarely threatened after being reduced to 10 men and Inter comfortably held on to reach the last four of the competition for the first time since 2003.
Brazil in particular could be compromised by Chinese competition in sectors such as cars, according to a recent Inter-American Development Bank report.
However, they face competition for Ronaldinho's signature as city rivals and Serie A leaders Inter Milan are also reported to be interested in the former Paris St Germain player.
Other career highlights include managing Italian side Inter Milan to the Uefa Cup final in 1997 while also guiding Blackburn Rovers into the competition a season later.
"Whatever happens this has been a very good season, " reflected Hodgson, who when he was in charge at Inter Milan saw his team lose on penalties to Schalke 04 in the two-legged final of the competition's former incarnation - the Uefa Cup - in 1997.